A contamination control program doesn’t have to be high-tech to be effective—but it does have to include all areas of an operation that may contribute to fluid contamination problems. Here are a few basic guidelines that can help achieve a higher level of cleanliness:
The approach area to a service bay should be paved with gravel or concrete and kept free of dirt and debris. Machines and components should be washed with high-volume, high-pressure hot water and soap before entering the shop. Inside the shop, maintain good housekeeping practices by:
- Cleaning floors daily. Consider sealing floor surfaces.
- Keeping tools clean and organized.
- Keeping work benches clean and organized.
- Storing parts off the floor.
Use a vacuum or absorbent pads to clean up accidental spills, and finish the cleanup with a powered floor scrubber, or mop with degreaser. Avoid using granular absorbent materials that can produce dust.
All hose and tube ends should be plugged or capped. Hoses and tubes removed during a repair should be cleaned internally before being reinstalled. Keep parts/components packaged until ready to install. Protect in-process parts when not being worked on.
Consider using an oil-service preventive maintenance cart containing:
- Vacuum pump and tubing
- Clean magnetic plugs/screens
- Sample bottles
- Filter cutting tool
- Digital camera
- Low-lint towels
- Latex gloves
- Resealable plastic bags
Filter all new fluids upon arrival and during transfer.
Seal fluid reservoirs and bulk tanks. Install high-quality desiccant and particulate filters on tanks. During refueling procedures, clean fueling ports and nozzles before fueling and cover them after fueling. Drain sediment and water from machine tanks at PM intervals, as part of PM checklist.
